Fort Wayne holds a treasure that seafood lovers guard fiercely, and it’s not hard to see why. Big Eyed Fish, located at 1502 N Wells St, has been serving up some of the most crave-worthy deep-fried cod in Indiana for years.
With a 4.5-star rating from over 1,800 reviews, this easygoing diner-style seafood spot has earned its reputation as a local favorite. The menu stretches beyond just fish, offering everything from hearty breakfasts to juicy burgers, but it’s the golden, crispy cod that keeps people coming back for more.
Walking into this low-key eatery feels like stepping into a classic fish fry tradition, where generous portions meet wallet-friendly prices. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, perfect for families, friends, or solo diners craving comfort food done right.
Whether you’re a Fort Wayne native or just passing through, Big Eyed Fish deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
Perfectly Golden Deep-Fried Cod That Melts In Your Mouth
Big Eyed Fish has mastered the art of frying cod to absolute perfection. Each piece arrives at your table with a light, crispy coating that shatters with every bite, revealing tender, flaky white fish inside.
The breading isn’t heavy or greasy like some places; instead, it provides just the right amount of crunch without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the fish.
Customers rave about the quality and freshness, noting how the fish tastes like it was pulled from the water that morning. The all-you-can-eat fish option is a favorite among regulars who can’t get enough of this golden goodness.
One reviewer described it as “light and flakey” with a flavor profile that reminds them of classic Milwaukee fish fries, but with even more variety.
What sets Big Eyed Fish apart is their attention to detail in preparation. The fish never tastes overly oily, and each piece maintains consistent quality throughout your meal.
They offer both breaded and broiled options, so you can customize your experience based on your preference.
The portion sizes are generous enough that many diners end up sharing meals or taking leftovers home. Even after all these years in business, the restaurant maintains its commitment to serving cod that’s worth every single bite.
Whether you order a sandwich piled high with fish or a traditional dinner plate, you’re guaranteed a seafood experience that lives up to the hype.
The cod here isn’t just good; it’s the kind of meal that creates cravings and brings people back week after week, sometimes even multiple times in the same week.
Homemade Tartar Sauce That Customers Call The Best Ever
Walk into any seafood restaurant and you’ll find tartar sauce, but Big Eyed Fish takes this condiment to legendary status. Their house-made tartar sauce has earned countless mentions in customer reviews, with people specifically calling it the best they’ve ever tasted.
The sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy, complementing the fish without overpowering it.
Unlike the bland, mayo-heavy versions you might find elsewhere, this tartar sauce has character and depth. It’s creamy with just the right amount of pickle relish and seasoning to enhance every bite of cod.
Many regulars admit they come back as much for the sauce as they do for the fish itself.
The restaurant clearly understands that great seafood deserves equally great accompaniments. Their tartar sauce recipe has remained consistent over the years, becoming part of the Big Eyed Fish signature experience.
Some customers have even asked if they could buy it by the jar to take home.
What makes this sauce special is how it elevates the entire meal. Whether you’re dipping hush puppies, coating your fish, or even trying it with fries, the flavor adds another dimension to your dining experience.
Amazing Hush Puppies That Deserve Their Own Fan Club
If the cod is the star of the show, then the hush puppies are definitely the scene-stealers at Big Eyed Fish. These golden orbs of cornmeal perfection arrive warm and crispy on the outside, with a soft, slightly sweet interior that melts on your tongue.
They’re mentioned in dozens of reviews, with customers using words like “amazing” and “delicious” to describe them.
Traditional hush puppies can sometimes be dense or bland, but not here. Big Eyed Fish has perfected the recipe to create light, flavorful bites that complement their seafood offerings beautifully.
The subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory fish, creating a balanced flavor profile that keeps you reaching for more.
Many diners order extra hush puppies because the standard serving just isn’t enough to satisfy their cravings. Some even dip them in the famous tartar sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
The texture is spot-on; crispy enough to provide crunch, but never hard or overcooked.
What’s particularly impressive is the consistency. Whether you visit on a Tuesday afternoon or a busy Friday night, the hush puppies maintain the same high quality.
Sweet And Creamy Coleslaw Unlike Anywhere Else
Coleslaw often gets relegated to afterthought status at most restaurants, but Big Eyed Fish elevates this humble side dish to something truly special. Their version is sweet, creamy, and perfectly balanced; earning specific praise from customers who claim it’s the best coleslaw they’ve ever encountered.
The cabbage is crisp and fresh, never soggy or limp.
The dressing has a distinctive sweetness that sets it apart from typical vinegar-based or mayo-heavy versions. It’s creamy without being cloying, and the sweetness complements rather than competes with the savory seafood.
This isn’t the coleslaw you push to the side of your plate; it’s the kind you savor alongside every bite of fish.
Texture matters in coleslaw, and Big Eyed Fish gets it right. The cabbage is shredded to the perfect size; not too fine, not too chunky; creating a satisfying crunch with each forkful.
The dressing coats every strand evenly, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.
Regular customers often mention the coleslaw as one of their favorite parts of the meal. It provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy fish and hush puppies.
Breakfast Menu That Rivals The Best Diners In Town
Most people think of Big Eyed Fish purely as a seafood destination, but their breakfast menu deserves equal recognition. Open as early as 7 AM most days, the restaurant serves up classic American breakfast fare that customers describe as just as good as the famous spot across the street.
From fluffy pancakes to perfectly cooked hash browns, breakfast here is no joke.
The menu offers all the traditional favorites you’d expect from a quality diner. Eggs are cooked to order, bacon arrives crispy, and the portions are generous enough to fuel you through the entire day.
One reviewer mentioned always splitting a pancake for dessert, suggesting the pancakes are both large and delicious enough to satisfy even after a full meal.
What makes the breakfast service special is the same attention to quality that defines their seafood offerings. Ingredients are fresh, preparation is careful, and the staff treats morning diners with the same friendly efficiency as evening crowds.
The atmosphere during breakfast hours is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for starting your day right.
The pricing remains incredibly reasonable, just like the rest of the menu. You can enjoy a hearty breakfast without breaking the bank, which explains why locals make Big Eyed Fish part of their regular morning routine.
Incredibly Affordable Prices That Feel Like A Time Machine
In an era where restaurant prices seem to climb every month, Big Eyed Fish stands as a refreshing exception. The price point is marked as just one dollar sign, and customers consistently express amazement at how much food they receive for their money.
One reviewer shared a receipt showing two full dinners and four beers for just thirty dollars; a deal that’s almost unheard of today.
The value extends beyond just low prices; it’s about the quality-to-cost ratio. You’re not sacrificing flavor or portion size to save money.
Instead, you’re getting generous servings of high-quality seafood, sides, and drinks at prices that feel like they haven’t changed in decades. Many customers mention being able to split meals because the portions are so substantial.
This affordability makes Big Eyed Fish accessible to everyone, from families on a budget to students looking for a satisfying meal. You can bring the whole family without worrying about the bill, or treat yourself to the all-you-can-eat fish option without guilt.
The restaurant proves that great food doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.
The reasonable pricing also encourages repeat visits. When you know you can enjoy an excellent meal without draining your wallet, you’re more likely to make it a regular stop.
Locals take advantage of this, turning Big Eyed Fish into their go-to spot for everything from quick lunches to family dinners.
In a world of overpriced mediocrity, Big Eyed Fish offers something increasingly rare: genuine value that respects both your taste buds and your budget.
Friendly Hometown Atmosphere With Service That Remembers You
Big Eyed Fish embodies the spirit of a true neighborhood restaurant where everybody knows your name; or at least wants to. The Wells Street location particularly excels at creating that hometown diner feel, with servers who recognize their regulars and welcome new faces with genuine warmth.
This isn’t corporate hospitality; it’s real people who care about making your meal enjoyable.
Multiple reviews highlight the exceptional service, with servers described as friendly, attentive, and efficient. They watch for refill needs, remember orders accurately, and handle any issues with grace and apologies.
One customer shared how a server named Katlyn had their takeout order ready at the exact requested time, demonstrating the staff’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
The atmosphere itself is unpretentious and comfortable. This isn’t a place where you need to dress up or worry about fancy etiquette.
Come as you are, whether that’s in work clothes, casual weekend wear, or even straight from the lake. The low-key environment lets you focus on what matters; good food and good company.
The diner-like space creates an intimate setting where conversation flows easily. Unlike some restaurants with blaring music or overly loud atmospheres, Big Eyed Fish maintains a comfortable volume that lets you actually hear the people you’re dining with.
It’s perfect for family gatherings, catching up with friends, or even a casual date night.
This combination of friendly service and welcoming atmosphere transforms a simple meal into an experience. You leave feeling like you’ve been somewhere that values you as more than just another customer, and that’s worth guarding like gold.
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